The year concluded with the Web Summit 2023, one of the world’s most important events dedicated to innovation, held in Lisbon. It is a significant showcase for small and large startups presenting themselves to the world. Italian young companies did not miss the opportunity to portray their capabilities. Among thousands of candidates, 11 Italian entities earned a spot in the final selections to win recognition as the best startup in the Pitch, a contest dedicated to alpha and beta startups that received less than 5 million in funding and did not significantly modify their business model in the last three years.
The Italian Joinrs, a digital platform connecting job seekers and companies, was selected among thousands of candidates, among the 105 startups vying for the recognition of the best startup at the event. It is a significant milestone and an excellent showcase to display Made in Italy excellence.
Now having a look at the end of the year, let’s analyze some of the most interesting rounds and new partnerships that caught the attention of Italian venture capital in December.
- Smartpricing
The Italian company in the hospitality sector recently completed a 13 million euro A Series funding round, with 11 million in equity and 2 million in bank credit lines. The startup has developed a proprietary algorithm that analyzes various types of data, including market trends, saturation, and price trends in specific geographic areas, to calculate the optimal cost and improve the performance of businesses in the hotel sector.
- CAEmate
The South Tyrolean startup, a pioneer in cloud-based software WeStatiX SHM, creates dynamic digital twins for infrastructure maintenance, closed its first investment round of 3 million euros with the support of CDP Venture Capital SGR and 360 Capital. The new funds will be used to expand its operations throughout Italy and Europe.
- TXT Group
The Italian leader in the technology sector has entered the share capital of PayDo, a fintech startup that developed a suite of services to innovate the payment experience, with a 2 million euro investment aimed at the domestic and international growth of the young company. TXT’s goal is to acquire a majority stake (51%) in PayDo by December 2025.
- Credemtel
The company offering digital services to public administration companies has acquired 10% of the shares of FlairBit, a startup offering products and consulting services combining new technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and app development to improve business management.
- The Social Hub
The Dutch group managing student residences and co-working spaces in Europe has entered into a partnership with the Italian digital academy Talent Garden. The agreement involves a capital increase by The Social Hub to enter the shareholding of the Italian startup as a minority partner with a 5% stake. The goal of the partnership is to create a platform dedicated to students and workers interested in international prospects.”
